Fingal Head Lighthouse

Even though the Fingal Head light tower is not high and it is built on a low headland the lighthouse is effective as it is built on one of the most easterly points of Australia. It is however obscured by Cook Island.

History

The 1860s saw an increase in shipping trade with the new colony of Queensland. Three reefs running out almost 7km from Fingal Head and Cook Island itself were a constant danger as there is deep water close to shore.

The first lighthouse on Fingal Head was first lit in 1872. The Tweed Heads Pilot noted in his logbook on March 20 “Brown and the Carpenter at Fingal Head, took lantern, two lamps, six chimnies (sic) feeder, and three quarts of kerosene oil up to Fingal Pt. Saw the lamp lit. Collins on watch. Light burned well all night without trimming.” The lighthouse was a makeshift platform consisting of timber spars forming what was described as a pigeon loft.

The present lighthouse was completed in 1879, built of Sydney sandstone. An enclosed porch and keeper’s duty room were attached but demolished when the light was automated. The light tower is the oldest public building in Tweed Shire. The Lighthouse was handed over to Lightkeeper William Arnold on 30 March 1879.

James Barnet the Colonial Architect designed the lighthouse which was similar to those at Ballina, Yamba, Tacking Point and Crowdy Head.

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As the lighthouse was obscured by Cook Island, just offshore, Commander Brewis suggested in his 1912 report to either double the height of the tower, replace it with an unattended light on Cook Island or a light on Point Danger. None of these suggestions were implemented. The Point Danger lighthouse was built in 1971.

The original kerosene wick burner was converted to automatic acetylene operation in 1923 with an output of 1,500 candelas and altered to group flashing. The one keeper was withdrawn at this time.

In 1970 the light was converted to electricity. 

Keepers

The lighthouse keeper’s residence was built in 1879 and demolished in 1923 when the light was automated. The foundations are visible nearby the lighthouse. William Arnold, the first lighthouse keeper, his wife Henrietta and 11 children lived here for 27 years until 1st September 1906 when he retired. Arnold was followed by Francis Brady 1906-1910, Charles Leverton 1910-1919 and Charles Thompson 1919-1920 (1923?)

We need your help in compiling a list of keepers for this lighthouse. If you have any information then send it to keeper@lighthouses.org.au.

Please include this lighthouse’s name, the keepers full name and what years they were keepers. Also include the same information for any other lights they were on.